iTunes Editors’ Notes

These performances were all recorded in 2010, reminding listeners of how vital Sonny Rollins remains in the contemporary jazz world. “They Say It’s Wonderful” and “St. Thomas” were recorded in Tokyo with his touring band of guitarist Russell Malone, bassist Bob Cranshaw, drummer Kobie Watkins, and percussionist Sammy Figueroa; both are rich and powerful numbers that dazzle and delight. The other four tracks were recorded at Rollins’ 80th-birthday concert in New York along with some special guests. “In a Sentimental Mood” features guitarist Jim Hall with Rollins’ band (Rollins himself sits out), and trumpeter Roy Hargrove shines on “I Can’t Get Started” and “Raincheck.” “Sonnymoon for Two” features drummer Roy Haynes, bassist Christian McBride, and fellow saxophone colossus Ornette Coleman on alto; it’s the first time the two venerable horn players ever performed together in public. This historic importance aside, the 22-minute track stands out for the electric exchange of solos between Rollins and Coleman, two musicians with wildly different styles yet comparable imagination and dexterity.

Customer Reviews

Energetic

by
Cari3

Previewing this snapped me out of my catatonic state (data entry). Very well done and when you read about the line up on the web (iTunes hasn't graduated to "real" overviews yet), it's very exciting. Instead of downloading this, me thinks I'll get the CD :)

It's DIVINE!

by
Christy Kelly

The CD is definitely one of Sonny's very best! It's pure genius!

This is great....

by
mattg#

....for someone who likes raw bacon on a tuesday skillet.

Biography

Born: September 7, 1930 in New York, NY

Genre: Jazz

Years Active: '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

Sonny Rollins will go down in history as not only the single most enduring tenor saxophonist of the bebop and hard bop era, but also as one of the greatest contemporary jazz saxophonists of them all. His fluid and harmonically innovative ideas, effortless manner, and easily identifiable and accessible sound have influenced generations of performers, but have also fueled the notion that mainstream jazz music can be widely enjoyed, recognized, and proliferated. Born Theodore Walter Rollins in New York...